As Christians, central to our faith is the belief that we are called to pour into our communities and to help our neighbors. Many people, no matter their religious affiliation, share this belief and donate some of their free time to help the common good. Whether it be volunteering, donating, organizing, representing or serving, humans want to help others and make a positive impact on their surroundings.
Church ministry lived out well means giving all these same assets to serve the church and to serve Christ. Church ministry also serves their congregation to inspire the laity toward a deeper commitment to Christ. This collective effort helps lead church ministries and share God's love with neighbors through words and actions.
Jesus tells us that God’s greatest commandments are to love God and to love each other (Matt. 22:34-40). The church is simply a group of people who get together to practice loving God and neighbor. We practice loving God by attending weekly worship services and loving one another through service activities that aid people who are poor, marginalized, and sick.
The church seeks to live into a world where there is no more death, sorrow, or sickness and where the poor have all their needs met (Rev. 21:1-5). Since God is the ultimate source of life, health and wholeness we can live into that reality now if we partner with God to meet each other's needs.
Everyone is welcome to participate in God’s mission for the world by joining the church. Whether you are old or young; male or female; black, white or brown; straight or LGBTQ+ you are invited to participate!
You may already be serving your church, but there are many different forms that church ministry can take. Discovering new ways to serve or reimagining old ways will depend on how involved you intend to be. The United Methodist tradition has formalized some of the ways to become involved in church ministry, but many denominations take a similar approach.
Firstly, you can serve the church as an active church member. In this role, you can participate in prayer, worship, volunteer ministries and church-organized events. Some of these opportunities include:
Serving the church as a lay member is arguably the most attainable way to get involved in church ministry, but – if you’re looking for something deeper – earning a ministry degree might be a good option for you.
Earning a ministry degree would allow you to answer your call to serve. With a ministry degree, you can fulfill numerous specialized roles in the church which often require higher education, including:
These roles are excellent opportunities to make ministry your part-time or full-time vocation. If you are passionate about the mission of God but aren’t interested in serving as an ordained minister earning a theology degree may still be for you.
With a degree in ministry, you can also become a minister as a deacon or elder in the church.* This is perfect for those who feel they have been called to serve the church in a high-level position.
As a deacon or elder in the church, you will lead your congregation in many ways including:
If you feel called to full-time vocational ministry, but aren’t sure what role you are called to, there are many ministerial vocations to help you discern your calling.
* Different religious denominations have various requirements for becoming an elder in the church. The United Methodist Church requires a graduate-level ministry degree.
God’s goal for the church isn’t just about saving the world, it’s about transforming you. Jesus didn’t just teach people to live in a new way; Jesus offered people opportunities to be radically changed.
As you spend time in the church serving God alongside other believers, it’s impossible to remain unchanged. As you deepen your spiritual and contemplative life and as you care for people on the margins of society you will draw closer to God and find that you, yourself have been transformed.
If you’re looking to get involved in church ministry, we encourage you to take the next step! Ask your parish what ways you can serve your church. And if you find yourself already taking on ministerial tasks, or yearning for more, a ministry degree may be the next part of your journey.
Going from utilizing your free time to serve your church in small ways to pausing your career or vocation to go to school can seem like a lot to handle, but you may already be doing more than you thought was possible. Seminary might be what God has in store for you. And at Perkins, we encourage you to answer your call and strengthen the gifts that you have been given. Perkins is the perfect place to become a servant leader.
At Perkins School of Theology, we are a diverse group of individuals who welcome all Christian voices. Whether you are actively involved in church ministry and feel that you have been called to more, want to strengthen your skills and gifts to continue your vocation or want to become an ordained minister and lead a congregation, we offer the degrees to make your dreams a reality.
Move fully into the life of service that you have been called to by attending Perkins. We offer:
Apply today to begin your professional journey into church ministry.